Dallas Fathers' Rights Lawyers

At DebnamRust, P.C., we understand how important family is. We also understand how contentious and complicated family law matters can be. We are committed to helping families avoid the long-lasting and devastating effects of divorce and other types of family law litigation. We are also dedicated to helping fathers in Texas obtain the best possible outcome for their cases.

Have questions about fathers' rights in Texas? Call us at (214) 758-8681 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Dallas fathers' rights attorney.

What Are Fathers' Rights in Texas?

Fathers' rights in Texas are relatively similar to mothers' rights. When a couple is married, the father automatically shares in the responsibility of raising the children and making decisions regarding the children's well-being. When the couple is not married, the mother has sole custody of the children, and the father has visitation rights.

A father can petition the court for additional rights, including but not limited to:

• Paying child support
• Having a role in the child's upbringing
• Having input on the child's education
• Having input on the child's medical care
• Having a say in the child's religious upbringing
• Having a say in the child's future schooling and education

How Can I Obtain Father’s Rights?

In order to obtain these rights, a dad must show the family court that he is a fit parent. This means that he must prove that he will be able to provide a loving, stable, and healthy environment for his children.

If you are a dad who wishes to obtain additional rights, or if you are a father who has already been granted visitation or custody rights, a fathers' rights lawyer in Dallas at DebnamRust, P.C. can help.

How to Establish Paternity in Order to Protect My Right as a Father

Establishing paternity is the first and most important step in safeguarding your rights as a father. Without legally recognized paternity, a father has no standing to seek custody or visitation rights. In Texas, paternity can be established in several ways:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents may sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form. This document can be completed at the hospital when the child is born or at a later time. It is a straightforward method that legally recognizes the father's role.
• Presumption of Paternity: In Texas, a man is presumed to be the father if he was married to the mother when the child was born or if the child was born within 300 days after the marriage ended.
• Court Order: If paternity is disputed or if there is no voluntary acknowledgment, a paternity suit can be filed. The court could order genetic testing to determine the biological father. Legal rights and responsibilities will follow once paternity is established through the court.
• Registry of Paternity: Fathers who are not married to the mother can file with the Texas Paternity Registry. This registry can help protect a father's rights in cases where the mother places the child for adoption without the father's consent.

Contact Our Dallas Father’s Rights Attorney Today

Our father's rights attorney in Dallas has years of experience helping dads through Texas divorce. We know that family law matters are often highly contentious and confusing, but we are here to make it all clear. Get in touch with us as soon as you can -- we are ready to answer all of your questions and provide you with guidance.

Contact DebnamRust, P.C. today to get started with our Dallas fathers' rights lawyer.